Max’s Coal Oven Pizzeria in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

Max’s Coal Oven Pizzeria is a go-to spot in downtown Atlanta when you’re craving classic, coal-fired pizza with an old-school New York feel. If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting the city and planning time around Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia Aquarium, or State Farm Arena, this is one of the more convenient pizza options in the area.

Below is a practical guide to what Max’s offers, how it fits into Atlanta’s restaurant scene, and how to plan a visit.

Where Max’s Fits in Atlanta’s Dining Scene

International cuisine with a New York–style focus

In Atlanta, international cuisine often means everything from Korean barbecue to West African stews. Max’s fits into that larger mix as a New York–style coal oven pizzeria, bringing a traditional Northeastern American pizza style into the heart of the city.

Coal-fired pizza is less common in Atlanta than wood-fired or gas-deck ovens. At Max’s, the coal oven is central to the menu and gives the pizza:

• A thin, crisp crust with some char
• A lightly smoky flavor
• Faster bake times than standard ovens

For Atlantans who like comparing local pizza spots, Max’s is typically viewed as:

• More traditional and straightforward than many trend-focused pizzerias
• A good option if you want familiar, crowd-pleasing flavors near major attractions
• Convenient for families, convention attendees, and event-goers downtown

Location, Access, and Contact Info

Max’s Coal Oven Pizzeria is located in downtown Atlanta, within walking distance of some of the city’s busiest attractions.

Typical details visitors look for include:

• Neighborhood: Downtown / Centennial Olympic Park area
• Nearby landmarks:
  • Georgia Aquarium
  • World of Coca-Cola
  • College Football Hall of Fame
  • Centennial Olympic Park
  • CNN Center and State Farm Arena

If you’re already downtown for a game, concert, or conference, Max’s is often chosen as a pre- or post-event meal spot because you don’t have to get back in the car or onto MARTA to find food.

When planning, it’s wise to:

• Check current hours the same day you plan to visit, especially around holidays and big events
• Confirm whether they’re taking reservations or mainly walk-ins during busy times
• Verify takeout and delivery options if you’re staying in a nearby hotel

You can usually get the most up-to-date information by calling the restaurant directly or checking their official online listings.

What’s on the Menu

Max’s focuses on coal-fired pizzas, with a menu that usually includes:

Pizza styles

• Classic cheese and pepperoni pizzas
• Specialty pies with combinations like:
  • Meat-heavy options (sausage, bacon, pepperoni)
  • Veggie-centric pies (peppers, onions, mushrooms, olives)
  • White pies with ricotta and garlic instead of red sauce

Pizza sizes are typically suited for sharing, so groups of two to four people often split one or two pies.

Starters and sides

Expect approachable, Italian-American starters such as:

• Garlic knots or bread
• Salads (Caesar, house, or chopped-style)
• Wings or simple appetizers for sharing

These are useful if you’re dining with a group where not everyone wants pizza as the main dish.

Other mains

Depending on the current menu, you may also find:

• Calzones or stromboli-style dishes
• Pasta dishes with red or cream-based sauces

Options can shift over time, so if you have your heart set on something beyond pizza, it helps to skim the latest menu before you go.

Desserts and drinks

For those lingering after a game or sightseeing:

• Desserts may include items like cannoli, cheesecake, or classic Italian-American sweets
• Beverage options typically cover soft drinks and a selection of beer and wine; many downtown diners look for a place where they can have a casual drink without committing to a full bar experience

Dietary Considerations

If you or someone in your group has dietary needs, it’s important to know how a coal oven pizzeria like Max’s typically handles them.

Vegetarian

• Vegetarian dining is usually straightforward:
  • Cheese pizza
  • Veggie-loaded specialty pies
  • Salads without meat toppings

You can generally ask to adjust toppings to keep a pizza fully vegetarian.

Vegan

• Vegan options tend to be more limited at classic pizzerias:
  • Some guests order pizza without cheese and load up vegetables
  • Simple salads can often be made vegan by adjusting dressings and toppings

If you’re strictly vegan, it’s smart to call ahead and ask:

• Whether they offer dairy-free cheese
• How flexible they are with custom orders

Gluten-sensitive or celiac

Many pizzerias in Atlanta handle gluten differently:

• Some offer gluten-free crusts
• Others do not, or may note that cross-contact with flour in the kitchen is likely

If you’re gluten-sensitive or have celiac disease:

• Ask directly whether a gluten-free crust is available
• Confirm how they manage cross-contact in a busy pizza kitchen

Atmosphere and Dining Experience

What to expect inside

Max’s typically offers:

• A casual, family-friendly atmosphere
• Seating that works for:
  • Families with kids
  • Groups of friends meeting before a concert or game
  • Visitors staying at nearby hotels who want a sit-down meal

Because it’s downtown, the mix of customers often includes locals working in nearby offices, tourists, and event attendees.

Noise and crowd levels

Downtown restaurants near major venues can get busy. At Max’s you can generally expect:

• Quieter times:
  • Weekday afternoons
  • Early evenings when there are no major events
• Busiest times:
  • Evenings before concerts, Hawks games, or big conventions
  • Weekend nights

If you prefer a calmer experience, try to:

• Visit outside major event start times
• Aim for earlier dinners (for example, before 6 p.m.) when possible

Takeout, Delivery, and Large Groups

Takeout and hotel stays

If you’re staying downtown and want to eat in your room:

• Max’s is often used as a takeout or delivery option for nearby hotels
• You can usually:
  • Call in a pizza order for pickup
  • Use third-party delivery apps if they’re active in the area

Calling ahead to ask about typical prep times helps, especially on event nights.

Large groups and families

Downtown Atlanta hosts:

• Conventions at the Georgia World Congress Center
• School groups visiting the Georgia Aquarium and other attractions
• Corporate teams in nearby offices

Because of that, spots like Max’s are often used for:

• Team dinners
• Youth group meals
• Family gatherings while sightseeing

If you have a group of 8 or more, it’s wise to:

• Call ahead to see if they can accommodate your group at a specific time
• Ask about split checks or group-friendly ordering (such as multiple large pies instead of individual meals)

Parking and Transportation Tips

Getting to Max’s quickly depends on how you’re moving around Atlanta.

Driving and parking

Downtown Atlanta has:

• Multiple paid parking decks and surface lots near Centennial Olympic Park, State Farm Arena, and the Georgia Aquarium
• Event-rate parking during games, concerts, and major events

To minimize hassle:

• Plan extra time for parking and walking to the restaurant
• Check posted rates before you park; event pricing is often higher than weekday daytime rates

MARTA and walking

If you prefer not to drive:

• The Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center station on MARTA’s rail line is one of the closer stops to the Centennial Olympic Park area
• From there, Max’s and neighboring attractions are generally walkable, depending on your exact route

For visitors unfamiliar with downtown:

• Staying within the well-trafficked attractions area (Centennial Olympic Park, Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola) makes it easy to walk to dinner at Max’s without navigating deeper into the central business district

Cost Expectations

Max’s typically falls into the moderate price range for downtown Atlanta:

• Pizzas: Priced higher than budget slices or fast-casual chains, but generally consistent with sit-down pizzerias in busy city centers
• Starters and salads: Standard for a full-service restaurant
• Drinks: Costs vary depending on whether you choose soft drinks or alcoholic beverages

To stay within a comfortable budget:

• Share one or two large pizzas among several people instead of ordering individual entrees
• Limit add-ons and specialty pies if you’re trying to keep the bill lower

Quick Reference: Is Max’s Right for You?

How Locals and Visitors Often Use Max’s

For people in Atlanta, Max’s is commonly used as:

• A pre-game pizza stop before Hawks games or concerts at State Farm Arena
• An easy option after a day with kids at the Georgia Aquarium or World of Coca-Cola
• A meetup spot for friends or coworkers who want something casual, familiar, and downtown
• A pizza-and-salad compromise when one person wants hearty comfort food and another wants something lighter

If you’re planning your own trip or evening downtown, think about:

• What else you’re doing nearby
• How long you’re willing to wait for a table during peak times
• Any dietary needs in your group

From there, you can decide whether Max’s Coal Oven Pizzeria fits into your Atlanta plans as a convenient, coal-fired pizza stop in the heart of the city.